Janitors Plan to Rally in Downtown Providence

[Omaha Steve]

http://ww2.wpri.com/Global/story.asp?S=6966273

Janitors Plan to Rally in Downtown Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Janitors from around the state are expected to march through downtown Providence this afternoon in an effort to get higher pay and more sick time.

Union officials say 12,000 contracted janitors are still negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the Maintenance Contractors Association of New England. The current contract expires at the end of the month.

The SEIU says employers are only offering a ten-cent hike in pay and no increase in the number of sick days, which now stands at two a year. Janitors are expected to be joined in their rally today near the Statehouse by several elected officials and union members from other trades.